Ciao! Is the word you’ll here as you enter Casa Italia, the modern day interpretation of the traditional Italian bar serving a wholesome menu of handcrafted premium gelato, freshly made food, Italian beers, and wine in a fast casual all-day dining setting. I’ve been seeing this restaurant located here in SM North the Block for quite a while but for the record, this would be the first time I would be dining in this restaurant. I’ve been hearing about it and my friends say they offer the best gelato ever, so I’m trilled to try it for my self.
To tell you honestly, passing by SM The Block, I thought Casa Italia is a fine dining restaurant and I do felt a bit intimidated to go inside. But after visiting and trying it, it actually felt different. Casa Italia got this rustic yet colorful and warm ambiance with items commonly found in traditional Italian home, making it a perfect hang out place with friends and family while enjoying a scoop or two of their amazing line up of Gelatos.
As of to this date, they currently have 54 Gelato flavors and still growing. Thirty-two of which is displayed everyday. I love the Guyabano and Pineapple gelato’s, which felt like eating the real fruit!
And just recently the makers of the #bestgelatoever, comes Gelatonini, a new and clever treat concocted from the memories of fun days under the summer sun.
Reminiscent of the classic sorbetes or “dirty ice cream” in pan de sal concept (or monay), Gelatonini is Casa Italia’s own version of this well-loved Filipino snack. An absolute comfort food and a refreshing summer treat, the Gelatonini is an innovation you’ll love straight at the heart and down to the belly.
Gelatonini offers two delicious flavors: ham & Cheese, and Nutella. The Ham & Cheese is composed of Casa Italia’s bestselling Formaggi gelato (cream cheese and cheddar cheese flavours) paired with a succulent portion of smoked ham, sandwiched in-between grilled buns of pandolce (Italian sweet bread). With a rousing fusion of contrasting sweet and salty flavors, the Ham & Cheese gelato sandwich makes for a hefty snack any time of the day.
For the sweet-toothed, the Nutella Gelatonini is the must-try, hearty treat that banks on the chocolate’s irresistibly sweet decadence. It is rich comfort food with thick, gooey chocolate in each nibble-both a dessert and a full snack packed into one indulging sandwich.
But my mirienda on that day didn’t stop there. Aside from the Gelatonini, they also serve the delicious Pumpkin Soup, which I super loved! And I do highly recommend it. Per serving costs Php 150.
If you’re aiming for a more heavy meal you can try the Sole Fillet with Lemon Pepper Cream sauce for Php 490, Italian Baked Chicken (Php 330) or Hickory Pork belly (Php 430). See photos below.
I enjoyed my afternoon having sweets and tasty meal. It’s nice that i’ve discover a place I can just hang out specially if I’m looking for a place to disappear in the city. Try it and turn your hot days into cool and sweet memories, head on to the nearest Casa Italia restaurant and enjoy these tasteful sweets!
Gelato costs Php 130 for Piccolo, Php 195 for Medio and Php 265 for Grande.
